Going around Congress the Biden administration said Saturday it has approved the emergency sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million as Israel intensifies its military operations in the southern Gaza Strip.
The move to sell munitions comes as President Biden’s request for a nearly $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other national security purposes faces obstacles in Congress due to debates over U.S. immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers are considering tying the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to Israel with specific actions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza during the conflict with Hamas.
The State Department announced late Friday that it had informed Congress about the sale. Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined that “an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale” of the munitions, citing the U.S. national security interest. Consequently, the purchase will bypass the usual congressional review process for foreign military sales. While such determinations are rare, they are not unprecedented when there is a perceived urgent need for weapons delivery without awaiting lawmakers’ approval. Going around Congress
In a statement, the United States Department emphasized its commitment to Israel’s security, stating, “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.” The department further clarified that Israel intends to utilize the enhanced capability as a deterrent against regional threats and to bolster its homeland defense.